Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Louisiana

Everything it takes to get licensed in Louisiana — 90 hours of pre-license education, the PSI exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).

Pre-license hours
90
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$870+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Louisiana path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Louisiana also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

Louisiana requires 90 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Louisiana licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus Louisiana-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Louisiana salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC)

Visit →

A Louisiana real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Louisiana agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).

Louisiana markets
New Orleans, LA real estate market→

Louisiana licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a Louisiana real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for Louisiana: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Louisiana?
Most people finish the 90-hour Louisiana coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for Louisiana real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Louisiana are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) before enrolling.